34 Weeks!!!

At 34 weeks, my doctors will no longer put me on bed rest (though I still have to stay off my feet as much as possible) and will deliver the baby if I go into real labor. Phew! I made it! I'm starting to nest like a crazy woman. Dylan was born 1.5 weeks from this point, and Lexie was born 4 weeks from this point. Either way, I'm feeling the time crunch! On the flip side, it feels like this pregnancy is almost over, and while it's been difficult, I really am going to miss certain aspects of it, like feeling Nugget move and hiccup!

DATE: June 27, 2011

How far along: 34 weeks!

Total Weight Gained: I've gained 8.5 lbs back.

How big is baby? Nugget weighs 4 3/4 lbs, and is almost 18 inches long!

How baby is growing: Nugget's fat layers — which will help regulate the body temperature once he/she is born — are filling her out, making him/her rounder. Nugget's skin is also smoother than ever. The central nervous system is maturing and the lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor (I have), you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies. (Great news! Dylan was almost perfect at 35.5 weeks!) babycenter.com

Maternity Clothes: I'm still wearing my regular pants, which may be too big after I deliver! I'm wearing regular shirts, but they have to be a longer length. Dresses are easy right now!

Sleep: It's getting much more difficult to sleep. I spend a lot of time trying to get comfortable, wake up frequently to use the bathroom, and wake up feeling sore.

Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week: Buying the take-home outfits (adorable!) and setting up the bassinet in our room!

Movement: Nugget is still very active, mostly after I eat breakfast, and between 8-11:30 PM. He/She sleeps all night, though! Nugget usually gets hiccups twice a day, often lasting for 10 minutes or longer. The movements are really strong, and not quite comfortable anymore. It seems like there is always a little baby limb poking out of my belly!

Food Cravings: I haven't had any cravings yet. I eat a lot of fruit, salad, and cereal!

Food Aversions: Macaroni & Cheese and soup. I normally love these foods, but haven't wanted them at all during this pregnancy! Lemonade still makes me really nauseous.

Morning Sickness: I still take Zofran everyday in an attempt to control the morning (all day) sickness.

Gender: It's a surprise! We've had the names picked out since I was about 6 weeks along, but we're starting to rethink the boy name.

Symptoms: Strong and frequent braxton hicks contractions, pressure, difficulty finding a comfortable position at night, very mild leg cramps while sleeping, numbness in hip when Nugget presses against a nerve, and mood swings (beware...I have a temper right now)!

Exercise: I walk 4-5 days a week, but I'm not allowed to do more than that.

What I miss: Feeling comfortable and nausea-free!

What I'm looking forward to: Continuing to prepare for Nugget's arrival, and finding out if baby is joining team pink or team blue!!!

34 Week Picture: